Paintball guns

ABSTRACT

An electronically controlled pneumatic paintball gun, comprising means for monitoring and/or controlling one or more parameters of the gun&#39;s operation and alphanumeric display means for displaying data related to said monitoring or control on a display panel integral with the gun.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation of Application No. 09/418,224,filed Oct. 14,1999, which is a continuation-in-part of Application No.09/272,652, filed Mar. 18, 1999. The entire contents of bothapplications are incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to paintball guns.

[0003] The game of paintball involves participants carrying guns whichfire pellets of “paint” or dye which are fired from the gun and burstupon impact to leave a mark at the point of impact.

[0004] Most paintball guns use a pneumatic system for firing thepaintballs using compressed air or other gas. More recently, suchpneumatically operated guns have begun to be electronically controlledfor greater effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to the present invention there is provided anelectronically controlled pneumatic paintball gun, comprising monitoringand/or controlling apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling one ormore parameters of the gun's operation and alphanumeric means fordisplaying data related to said monitoring or control on a display panelintegral with the gun.

[0006] The display panel is most preferably mounted on the cheek of thegun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008]FIG. 1 shows schematically an electronic apparatus for use in apaintball gun;

[0009]FIG. 2 shows the handle of a gun; and

[0010]FIG. 3 shows a display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A paintball gun embodying the present invention uses a compressedgas circuit supplied with gas from a gas cylinder to eject projectilesin the form of spheres containing paint which break upon impact. The gunis electronically controlled, typically by a microswitch operated uponby a trigger squeezed by a user's finger and the electronics control thefiring mechanism and in particular ensure correct timing. Theelectronics also enable various different modes of firing, such as asemi-automatic mode in which each trigger actuation causes a projectileto be fired, typically up to 20 times a second, or a fully automaticmode in which a single trigger actuation causes a burst of a selectablenumber of shots. Other parameters such as dwell time, firing rate,number of bursts per second, and so on are also selectable under theoperation of the control electronics. A paintball gun of this type iscommercially available as the Angel™ gun manufactured by NPF Limited andreference is made to U.S. patent application No. 09/137,641.

[0012]FIG. 1 shows a control and display apparatus for use in a gunaccording to the present invention. The apparatus comprises a centralprocessor 1 which typically includes a microprocessor. As described,operation of the gun is initiated by a user depressing a trigger 2 whichacts upon a microswitch in known manner. This sends an appropriatesignal to fire control/monitoring circuitry 4, which may be at leastpartially incorporated in the control unit 1 and which can be used tocontrol the rate of fire, dwell time, etc, and also to fire the gun whenthe trigger has been operated, using the mode designated by the user.These modes may be, for example, manual, semi-automatic or automaticmodes or other modes as required or as allowed by the rules of theparticular event or tournament he is playing in. These operate in knownmanner.

[0013] A plurality of input buttons 5 a to 5 e are arranged to provideuser input to the processor 1 via a user interface 3 and these haveseveral different functions as will be outlined below.

[0014] The gun is powered by a battery 6 which is preferably arechargeable type and which can charge through a battery charger 7 whichhas a mains input.

[0015] An integral alphanumeric display unit in the form of an LCD unit8, driven by an LCD driver circuit 9 is connected to the processor andthis displays various types of data and information. Preferably, aback-light 10 is also provided to enable better viewing of the LCD unitbut which back-light may be turned off when required. The alphanumericdisplay need not necessarily be an LCD display.

[0016] Various other pieces of apparatus, sensors, etc, may be added tothe control unit and non-limiting examples of these are shown in FIG. 1.There is shown a temperature sensor 11, a timer 12 and a vibrator 13.The timer 12 can be used for various purposes such as for timing apaintball game and for an alarm function and the vibrator 13 may be usedas the alarm indicator for the timer 12. In addition, an infrared link14 is provided which enables programming of the control unit, or bydirectional data exchange, to take place from a remote PC or otherdevice fitted with a similar infrared unit. Infrared communicationdevices are well known. A serial link, e.g. RS232C, or othercommunications link may also be provided.

[0017]FIG. 2 shows the grip frame part of a paintball gun. The userholds the grip in the normal manner and squeezes the trigger 2 to firethe gun. As shown, the gun is radically different from previouspaintball gun designs in that an LCD display 8 is integral with andincorporated into the gun, in this case on the cheek of the grip frame15. It could, however, be mounted in any other position/disposition onthe gun itself. The control buttons are also distributed on the gripframe. Three of the buttons 5 a, 5 b and 5 c are mounted in a recessedportion where they are always accessible. The remaining buttons in thisembodiment are mounted under a cheek plate (not shown) which is screwedor otherwise attached over the cheek, possibly using anti-tamper means,or tamper-indicating means such as seals, and thus are only accessiblewhen the plate is removed. This is because these buttons are used, asdescribed below, to alter various functions of the gun which affect itsperformance, rate of fire, etc. In many events, the rate of fire orother gun parameters must be set before the game begins and cannot bealtered once the match is underway. By being mounted in an inaccessibleposition, these buttons achieve this objective.

[0018] The various functions alterable and displayable on display 8 areas follows:

[0019] Various values and words are selectably displayed by a sixcharacter alphanumeric display 24 and a plurality of fixedwords/characters which are illuminated as required. A battery indicator20 is displayed at all times and goes from blank to full (all foursegments displayed). When down to about 25% power level the last segmentonly is displayed, and this flashes indicating low power status.

[0020] A mode indicator 21 displays the mode of firing and may showsingle characters or numerals such as A, B, C, 1, 2, 3 etc. Modes aredisplayed at all times. The mode of firing can only be changed by one ofthe normally inaccessible tactile switches 5 d or 5 e. The modesavailable may be, for example, SEMI: (1 shot; 1 trigger pull), BURSTS:(a 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 shot burst per trigger pull), ZIPS (3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8 shot bursts at a rate of 8.75 shots/sec max). The MROF (Maximum Rateof Fire) function will display 8 when in the ZIP modes.

[0021] The vibrator may work in a timer mode for indicating, forexample, 5 min intervals by actuating the vibrator for 3 secs. Note: ifthe ‘V’ mode is selected the ‘V’ is displayed on the LCD. Switching thevibratory alarm ON or OFF is selected from a sub-menu function.

[0022] Temperature may be displayed in ° F. or ° C. by the mainalphanumeric display 24. A temperature icon is only displayed when themenu calls for it. Temp mode can be selected from the menu; Changingfrom Centigrade to Fahrenheit is selected from the sub-menu.

[0023] A trip meter is a shot counter that can be re-zeroed by theconsumer. Trip can be selected from the menu. Resetting to zero isselected from the sub-menu.

[0024] A ROF (Rate of Fire) function may measure a string of shots overa selected (eg 1 second) period. The first shot starts the counter for 1second, any shots that occur in that period are registered on thedisplay. Then the display will not accept any input for a 3-secondperiod. During this period the display will also flash before anadditional cycle may start. The ROF mode can be selected from the menu.The data is constantly updated and so no sub-menu is required.

[0025] The display can accordingly display not only a desired rate offire, but also the rate of fire actually achieved by the user, which canfall well short of the desired rate of fire, or could even exceed it fora very skilled marksman. Furthermore, competition rules may set an upperlimit on the rate of fire, and this upper limit may be programmed in anddisplayed on the LCD display (MROF). More details are set out furtherbelow.

[0026] To power off the gun a tactile switch on the grip must be heldfor 1.5 seconds which shows the whole display for 2 seconds. Then thedisplay shows the word “SAFE” and the back light switches OFF. The guncannot fire in the safe mode but the battery meter is still displayed.An automatic power off function may be provided which powers off the gunif no shots are fired for a predetermined period, e.g. 60 minutes.

[0027] A unique ID number may be programmable into the gun by themanufacturers or suppliers. This number may affect, e.g. restrict, themodes it is possible for the gun to be fired in and can render the gunless likely to be stolen.

[0028] Numerous fault codes can be displayed, for example Fault 1,F1=Over temp =38° C., F2=Under temp =0° C., and so on. The fault can beselected from the menu. Should more than one fault be present thedisplay will alternate at 2-sec cycles. The faults will only clear fromthe display when the fault condition is removed.

[0029] Dwell time may be displayed, e.g. in millisecs =e.g. 0:20 =20 ms.Dwell is changed via a tactile button and scrolls from 12 ms to 25 ms.

[0030] MROF displays the rate of fire as shots per sec, e.g. 12 =12shots/sec. MROF may be selected from the menu but can only be changedvia one of the normally inaccessible tactile buttons on the board. Inone embodiment the range is 5 to 20 shots per second.

[0031] Note: If a mode of fire has a preset rate this will be displayedunder the MODE function and cannot be adjusted whilst in that mode.

[0032] A cycles counter is a grand total shot counter that cannot bereset by the consumer, only by the suppliers of the gun or otherauthorised person.

[0033] A TRIP counter is provided, which is a shot counter that can bezeroed by the user or consumer.

[0034] A timer is a countdown timer which can, for example, count downfrom 60 min. At the end of the count the vibrator alarm may be activatedfor 10 seconds. The timer can be set in 5-min increments, i.e. OFF, 5,10, 15 etc. A sub-menu allows changes. The settings must remain in thememory even after power has been removed.

[0035] The display may also indicate test modes and a BACKLIGHT ONsymbol 22 is included. Additional functions displayable include, interalia, velocity, average velocity, gas pressure and gas usage, forexample.

[0036] In one embodiment DWELL, MROF, MODE and TIMER functions arestored in non-volatile memory since these settings must be retained evenwhen power is removed.

[0037] The button functions may be as follows in one embodiment.

[0038] Button 5 a

[0039] Gun on/off when held for 1.5 seconds

[0040] Display “-live-” when on at all times unless timer started viaactivation to ready state via switch 4 and pulse vibrator for 3 secondsas confirmation. NOTE; menu switch 5 b is inactive whenever the gun isin “-live-” or timer ready/timer active mode. NOTE timer can only bemade active via switch 4. When in timer ready state the timer will showthe set time and flash between “-live-” and set time at 1 secondintervals. When gun is in the “-live-”/timer ready status, timer startswhen first shot is fired then the display will show the timer countingdown. The arm will go off prior to time up. This feature allows theplayers to know when the game end is near and that they have a finalopportunity to bring the game to a conclusion. Display “-safe-” when offand switch 5 b is now active and timer stops. Battery status to bedisplayed at all times; mode status to be displayed at all times evenwhen “-safe-”.

[0041] Button 5 b

[0042] Menus active only when the gun is “-safe-”. No access if the gunis “live”.

[0043] FAULT —display “none”if no fault present

[0044] ID —display unique ID number

[0045] ROF —display the maximum rate of fire achieved measure betweentwo shots

[0046] TIMER —display set time

[0047] VIBRATOR —display status

[0048] LIGHTS —display status

[0049] TEMP —display temperature

[0050] CYCLES —display total cycles

[0051] TRIP —display trip cycles

[0052] Button 5 c

[0053] Sub menus note; no access if gun is in “-live-” status. The timeris only available in “-live-” status when switch 5 c only puts timer inready state, first shot will start the timer.

[0054] FAULT —“none” or “code 1”

[0055] ID —no sub mode

[0056] ROF —set to zero

[0057] TIMER —from zero to sixty in five minute increments

[0058] VIBRATOR —no sub menu

[0059] Activate for two seconds

[0060] LIGHTS —on/off

[0061] TEMPERATURE —no sub menu

[0062] CYCLES —no sub menu

[0063] TRIP —reset to zero

[0064] Button 5 d

[0065] No access granted if gun is in “-live-” state. When switch 5 d ispressed gun will go into “-safe-” mode (gun cannot fire), then if nofurther button presses occur gun will display “-safe-” after 5 seconds

[0066] Menus

[0067] DWELL —display dwell time

[0068] MROF —display set rate of fire, NOTE; zip modes to show 9enhanced modes to have maximum display of 13, semi mode to have maximumpossible display of 20.

[0069] MODE —display status, NOTE; mode can affect the MROF

[0070] FAULT —display “none” if no fault present

[0071] ID —display unique ID number

[0072] ROF —display the maximum rate of fire achieved measure betweentwo shots

[0073] TIMER —display set time

[0074] VIBRATOR —display status

[0075] LIGHTS —display status

[0076] TEMP —display temperature

[0077] CYCLES —display total cycles

[0078] TRIP —display trip cycles

[0079] Button 5 e

[0080] DWELL —scroll 10 to 24 milliseconds

[0081] MROF - display set rate of fire, NOTE; zip modes to show 9enhanced modes to have maximum possible display of 2-13, semi mode tohave maximum possible display of 2-20.

[0082] MODE - A =auto, B =semi, C—I =burst modes, J—P =zip modes, R—T=ramp modes, U—Z =other modes. If no mode is allocated, then selecteddigit flashes and “no Acc” is displayed. Also fault code “code 1” to bedisplayed. NOTE; mode can affect the MROF, which must adjustaccordingly, ie: last MROF setting in modes also to be retained whenswitching between modes. EG: semi set at 13 shots sec/mode B then mode Fselected set at 12 shots/sec.

[0083] FAULT —no sub menu

[0084] ID —no sub menu

[0085] ROF —set to zero

[0086] TIMER —0-60 minutes scrolled menu in 5 minute increments

[0087] VIBRATOR —On/Off

[0088] LIGHTS —On/Off

[0089] TEMP —F/C

[0090] CYCLES —no sub menu

[0091] TRIP —reset to zero

[0092] Other features that are present in the preferred embodiment

[0093] A. FACTORY RESETS - press and hold buttons 5 and 6 together for1.5 seconds. Display all lights up. The values may be:

[0094] TRIP —000

[0095] FAULTS —status

[0096] ID —status

[0097] ROF —O

[0098] TIMER —15 minutes

[0099] MODE —B (semi)

[0100] MROF —zips at 9 semi at 11 all enhanced at 11

[0101] DWELL —14

[0102] VIBRATOR —on

[0103] LIGHTS —off

[0104] TEMP —f

[0105] Cycles —status

[0106] B. The hopper system can be controlled via the gun to suitdifferent parameters ie hopper in semi mode switched on when a rate of 2shots/second are achieved. In all other modes hopper to switch on afterfirst shot.

[0107] C. Codes are used to allow access to certain parameters of thegun, which one may not wish the consumer to have access to. IE:RS232/infrared link to have a code word which will give access tosetting the ID number and resetting the CYCLES. Link remains connectedfor this operation. Menu on the screen hyperlink. RS232/infrared linkmay have a further code word which will give access to override the lockout status on the internal menus ie the internal menus can be worked onfor 1 hour with the gun “live” then lockout reactivates, this countdownstating when the RS232 link is removed. This is required so the guns canbe set up in assembly.

[0108] D. Power saving feature, ie Electronic Sleep occurs after 10hours.

[0109] E. Should the battery be disconnected when reconnected the guncomes on in “-safe-” mode.

[0110] F. The power source is a rechargeable battery that can berecharged without removal from the gun.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pneumatic paintball gun comprising: a trigger;an electronic switch upon which the trigger acts; an electronicprocessor in communication with the electronic switch for controllingand monitoring at least one operating parameter of the pneumaticpaintball gun; and a display for displaying one or more charactersrepresenting the one or more operating parameters of the pneumaticpaintball gun's operation, the characters selected from the groupconsisting of letters, numbers, icons, symbols, and combinationsthereof.
 2. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 1 further comprising atimer.
 3. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 2 wherein the timer isactivated by the trigger.
 4. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 1wherein the operating parameters are selected from the group consistingof: firing mode, valve dwell time, ambient temperature, whether the gunis in live or safe mode, whether or not a fault has been detected, shotvelocity, maximum rate of fire, battery status, shots fired, averagerate of fire, and combinations thereof.
 5. The pneumatic paintball gunof claim 1 comprising at least two operating parameters and furthercomprising a switch for switching the display between the at least twooperating parameters.
 6. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 1 furthercomprising a switch for entering a control parameter.
 7. The pneumaticpaintball gun of claim 6 wherein the switch is mounted in a normallyinaccessible position.
 8. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 6 whereinthe switch is mounted behind means selected from the group consisting ofanti-tamper and tamper-indicating means.
 9. The pneumatic paintball gunof claim 7 wherein the switch is located behind a plate which requiresthe use of a tool to access the switch.
 10. The pneumatic paintball gunof claim 1 further comprising a power saving feature.
 11. The pneumaticpaintball gun of claim 1 further comprising a rechargeable battery. 12.The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 1 wherein the display furthercomprises a backlight feature.
 13. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim1 further comprising an electronically programmed identification.
 14. Apneumatic paintball gun comprising: means for electronically controllinga parameter of the pneumatic paintball gun's operation selected from thegroup consisting of: firing mode, valve dwell time, whether the gun isin live or safe mode, shot velocity, maximum rate of fire, hoppercontrol, and combinations thereof; and a display for displaying one ormore characters representing the one or more control parameters of thepneumatic paintball gun's operation, the characters selected from thegroup consisting of letters, numbers, icons, symbols, and combinationsthereof.
 15. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 14 further comprisinga timer.
 16. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 15 wherein the timeris activated by a fired shot.
 17. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim14 further comprising a switch for entering a control parameter.
 18. Thepneumatic paintball gun of claim 17 wherein the switch is located behinda plate which requires a tool to access the switch.
 19. The pneumaticpaintball gun of claim 18 wherein the switch is mounted behind meansselected from the group consisting of anti-tamper and tamper-indicatingmeans.
 20. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 19 further comprisingmeans for electronically monitoring an operation parameter of thepneumatic paintball gun's operation selected from the group consistingof: firing mode, valve dwell time, ambient temperature, whether the gunis in live or safe mode, whether or not a fault has been detected, shotvelocity, maximum rate of fire, average rate of fire, battery status,shots fired, and combinations thereof.
 21. A pneumatic paintball guncomprising: means for electronically controlling a control parameter ofthe pneumatic paintball gun's operation selected from the groupconsisting of: firing mode, valve dwell time, whether the gun is in liveor safe mode, shot velocity, maximum rate of fire, hopper control, andcombinations thereof; means for electronically monitoring an operationparameter of the pneumatic paintball gun's operation selected from thegroup consisting of: firing mode, valve dwell time, ambient temperature,whether the gun is in live or safe mode, whether or not a fault has beendetected, shot velocity, maximum rate of fire, battery status, shotsfired, average rate of fire, and combinations thereof; and a display fordisplaying one or more characters representing the one or more controlparameters of the pneumatic paintball gun's operation, the charactersselected from the group consisting of letters, numbers, icons, symbols,and combinations thereof.
 22. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 21further comprising at least one switch for entering a control parameter.23. The pneumatic paintball gun of claim 22 wherein the switch islocated behind a plate which requires a tool to access the switch.